Lawsuit Already Being Prepared to Challenge Georgia’s Welfare Drug Testing Bill

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal is now considering whether to sign a bill passed by the Legislature last week, in the final hours of the 2011-2012 session.  The controversial measure, HB 861, would require applicants for state welfare benefits to pass drug tests in order to receive the benefits.  Even before the Governor makes his decision, an Atlanta civil liberties organization is assembling a lawsuit, challenging the constitutionality of the bill.  WABE’s Denis O’Hayer spoke with Gerry Weber, senior counsel for the Southern Center for Human Rights.